One of my goals as your Adjutant General is to keep you and your family
informed about issues and programs with the potential to impact the
New Jersey National Guard (NJNG). The success of the NJNG is rooted
in teamwork and based on communication. We will make every effort possible
to share information and provide direction and guidance as we prepare
our National Guard forces for a new of doing business. I
would like to take this opportunity to review our top three priorities
for the New Jersey National Guard: Security, Readiness/Strength, and
Integrity.

Security. The number one challenge for the American
military is the protection of the homeland. In doing so, the United
States and New Jersey remains fully committed to the Global War on Terrorism
(GWOT). Since the terrorist attacks Sept. 11, NJNG personnel have participated
extensively in OPERATION NOBLE EAGLE air and ground missions, OPERATION
LIBERTY SHIELD, OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM and OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM.
Our role in homeland security has generated the high degree of confidence
and reliance elected officials and the American public have placed the
National Guard. Homeland Security missions include force and resource
protection actions, counter-terrorism, critical infrastructure protection,
and information security operations. In most cases, state emergencies
are handled at the local level by civilian authorities such as police
and first responders. In instances where the resources required to mitigate
a disaster, manmade or natural, exceed the capabilities of local authorities,
either the Governor or The AdjutantGeneral may call the NJNG to active
duty. When you are mobilized for state active duty, you will be happy
to know that the Governor has proposed legislation to increase the pay
and add health benefits for members and their families when your duty
exceeds 30 days. For all mobilized members, the Governor has also signed
an Executive Order to implement additional benefits such as extensions
for drivers licenses and registrations, job training, and half
price tickets on New Jersey Transit, as just a few examples.

Readiness/Strength. Threats to world peace and the nations
subsequent military needs have changed. National Guard members are performing
duties and missions both at home and overseas locations. On an average,
you are performing well above the traditional 39 days of service a year
while balancing, in most cases, the demands of a family and civilian
career. It is imperative that we maintain 100 percent strength to enable
us to fully engage in readiness or security matters. Strength is the
lynchpin for our continued success and, therefore, I challenge each
and every one of you to become voice for our mission and for the Guard.
We all play a role in recruiting and retaining members. We are transforming
the way we do business; and, as we do, our families and civilian employers
need to understand this change. More now than ever, the retention process
must include families and employers. Our Department is fortunate to
have available the services of our Employer Support to Guard and Reserve
ESGR) volunteers should difficulties arise with employers over military
duty obligations.

Integrity. As members of the military, we must adhere
to standards in everything we do. Integrity is also the fair and consistent
treatment of all members and honest execution of our policies, such
as weight, physical fitness, military and civilian education, accountability
and fraternization. But more than this, integrity means doing the right
thing even when no one is looking.

Finally, I encourage you to submit ideas and inputs as we
approach these new daunting tasks. I will make a conscious
effort to share information about hot button issues when
practical and provide the necessary guidance and direction as
we prepare to face together an array of challenges in 2003 and
beyond.